LCS upgrade

[SteadyMercury]

Upgrades Will Let the Navy s LCS Operate in More Dangerous Waters - Defense One

In February, Hagel told the Navy to come up with a ship more survivable than the current LCS, a type of ship that has faced criticism for not packing enough weapons and self-defense systems. The Navy determined a modified version of the LCS, rather than a new design, is the answer.

The upgraded LCS – called the small surface combatant, or SSC– will get a host of new equipment allowing it to fight other ships and submarines. The new gadgets include an improved 3D air surveillance radar, upgraded self defenses, over-the-horizon missiles, improved electronic warfare, torpedo defense and countermeasures, more armor and bigger guns.

I like the idea (working with what they have) but I'm kind underwhelmed with actual implementation. There were plans submitted by the builders to add vertical launch tubes, up the gun to 76mm, etc. but aside from some improved sensors I don't see much more punch other than an unnamed over the horizon surface to surface missile.

They are adding a nice 3D air defense radar, but nothing with which to shoot any targets except for the main gun. It has RAM/SeaRam which I've heard is an amazing performer but is primarily a point defense weapon for incoming cruise missiles.

 

[william the wie]

just a bump. The ship seems to be easy to upgrade.

 

[SteadyMercury]

I wonder what the over the horizon missile will be. I know the Navy started using SLAM-ER for it's air to surface missile instead of harpoon, both with carrier aircraft and maritime on the new P-8 Poseidon. Maybe they have a enough harpoon block-IIs lying around now that they can mount some cheapo cannister launchers on LCS, which wouldn't be a bad solution especially given the OTH eyes LCS has with the SH-60 and two FireScouts in the hangar.

 

[william the wie]

Well the only mission I can see for these boats is to clear Chinese air defenses/amphibious support.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Another defense money pit that will get its sailors dead engagement 1

 

[Manonthestreet]

They want to call them Frigates because LCS picked up the truthful moniker of Little Crappy Ship

 

[Manonthestreet]

little crappy ship - Google Search

 

[SteadyMercury]

Well the only mission I can see for these boats is to clear Chinese air defenses/amphibious support.

To me it seems like they are attempting to better suit them for a more frigate-like role of true escort. They could work with a carrier group to expand the defensive picket with the improved towed sonar array and radar, while enjoying the protection from serious air threats that the air wing and all the aegis ships bring.

Could also work as deep water escorts somewhat independently since your big threats are submarines and other ships.

They clearly still aren't intended to be able to function alone in any serious naval combat situation. Article says they are going to try to upgrade the original models with whatever they can... they could add the towed sonar, the 25s and probably even the ss missiles but they couldn't do the up-armoring and I doubt they'd get the radar.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Their mine clearing module just failed

 

[william the wie]

Their mine clearing module just failed

As an ex-sweep sailor I am telling you the less seaworthy a ship is the better it sweeps. If you can trust my memories of 40 years ago the Fido mso 443 did 5 to 10 degree rolls tied up to the pier from the wake of 20-30 ft boats doing less than 20 mph.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Let’s keep it focused on one area in particular; just the timeline, milestones, and performance. For our benchmark, let’s look at the FFG-7 class, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY (OHP), a run of 51 ships, compared to where we are with LCS, a planned run of 52 ships (32 LCS and 20 FF).

OHP Hull-1 was commissioned in 1977.
LCS Hull-1 was commissioned in 2008.

Roll the clock forward roughly six years.
OHP by year six, through the end of 1983: 37 ships commissioned, 34 for the USN, 3 for the RAN.
LCS by year six, through the end of 2014: 4 ships commissioned.

We should note as well the operational history of the OHPs by 1983. FMC in all mission areas, full deployments with all Fleets. By the end of 2014, LCS is little more than creeping through further developmental testing … yet, we are committed to seeing the class through to whatever end it will have. USNI Blog Blog Archive Remember what we are rewarding with LCS to FF

 

[SteadyMercury]

Let’s keep it focused on one area in particular; just the timeline, milestones, and performance.

I don't think I'm interested in comparing it's rate of build to a ship commissioned almost 40 years ago during the cold war, every generation of ships is built more slowly than 40 years ago.

I'm interested in whether the proposed upgrades for small surface combatant make sense in a functional role.

 

[Manonthestreet]

thats part of reason the build is so slow...nothing works......

 

[Manonthestreet]

and actually go back to class before LCS....the Arleigh Burkes ...think you'll find they flowed pretty quick off the production line

 

[SteadyMercury]

I wonder why they didn't put a 76mm in the upgraded version. It is my understanding the 57mm is of similar footprint into the hull, although not sure how they compare with weight. Then again Mk 110 might be more useful against aircraft and small ships with the fancy shmancy ammo.